COMIC BINGE: The Walking Dead, Vol. 22: A New Beginning & The Wraith
Let me start by saying that my interest in the television adaptation of The Walking Dead has slowly disappeared. What the show used to have, I no longer believe it has. The comic book however, is an entirely different story as it continues to find new ways to reinvent itself. Negan has been the villain that has totally rejuvenated the book into what it’s become post-television show. At this point it seems to be known by Robert Kirkman that the show has gone far enough off, and also adapted and changed enough that he doesn’t have to worry about writing for the show. This has led us to one of the most foul-mouthed characters I have ever read on page, this being Negan. Also, this book reaches a conclusion that I did not expect and has opened up the doors to a whole new possible world. Rick and others find themselves in a more peaceful environment, knowing they have to pick up the pieces from the battles in All Out War. Negan is locked up, but he’s still being paid visits by his number one fan, who is beginning to look awfully shady. Carl could possibly become an even larger character, and maybe even an issue, if he continues on his path of interests. Then, at the end of this book, a talking zombie shows up and my brain exploded. The last 4 page turns are out of this world, and I’m so ready for some more The Walking Dead now. Just when I start to wonder how they can keep the series going after dealing with the best villain in Negan, Kirkman and crew blow the hinges off the doors and open up a whole new can of worms for our survivors. The Walking Dead is still brilliant and what an ending, which was not spoiled above I promise. Holy hell, the ending…
RATED: ( R )
STORY : ( 9 / 10 )
ARTWORK : ( 7 / 10 )
COVERS : ( 8 / 10 )
AWESOME : ( 10 / 10 )
FINAL RATING : ( 9 / 10 )
I have not gotten the chance to read anything by Joe Hill yet, but from what I’ve heard he’s definitely an author I would enjoy. I own several of his books, but the one that most recently came out was NOS4A2. I think that The Wraith probably had a heavy influence from this story, but I wanted to read it anyways because it’s a graphic novel. I found the graphic novel to be pretty entertaining, but I do think there was a lot that I missed out on not having read NOS4A2 before. The art was definitely dark and bloody, and the writing ranged from extensive to minimal so it never really became overwhelming. It presented the story of Christmasland, which is a strange land ruled by a strange leader. It definitely is a Christmasland, but it’s dark and the streets are not what they seem. I would like to give this book another go once I read NOS4A2 and more familiarize myself with Christmasland. This book is accessible for new readers, but I think there’s a lot to be missed out on. Pick it up if you’re a fan of horror and darker illustrations, as it was good read for that in itself, but definitely if you’re a Joe Hill reader. I am very interested find out more about Christmasland very soon, but for now I give this a passive thumbs up.
RATED : ( R )
STORY : ( 7 / 10 )
ARTWORK : ( 7 / 10 )
COVERS : ( 7 / 10 )
AWESOME : ( 6 / 10 )
FINAL RATING : ( 7 / 10 )